SAP Output Management: Top 3 ways to handle Output in SAP S/4HANA
Output Management in SAP S/4HANA
Are you transitioning from SAP R3 to SAP S/4HANA? Then you are probably looking into how to handle your business documents in SAP S/4HANA – or you should.
There are many ways to handle Output Management in SAP S/4HANA.
The new SAP system introduces a new way of working with output management based on the Business Rule Framework plus (BRF+), whereas it used to be handled with the traditional NAST-based system. Another popular way to handle SAP Output Management is with ISV solutions as the Gartner recognized software, Lasernet by Formpipe.
The many choices are a jungle…
So, let’s help you make the right decision to effectively manage and configure output processes in SAP S/4HANA.
Comparison of NAST, BRF+ and Lasernet for SAP
When comparing NAST, BRF+, and Lasernet for output management in SAP S/4HANA, it’s essential to understand their respective approaches, advantages and limitations.
We’ll start by looking at a technological overview describing the different system and their key use cases:
- NAST: Legacy message control system used in SAP ECC and supported in S/4HANA for backward compatibility. Best for legacy processes with minimal requirements, but it lacks flexibility and advanced features.
- BRF+: A modern rule-based framework integrated into SAP S/4HANA, offering flexibility for defining and managing output processes. A strong native solution for S/4HANA, providing rule-based output management with modern capabilities but limited document design.
- Lasernet: A third-party output management solution from Formpipe, integrable with SAP, designed for advanced document formatting, distribution, and integration. The most advanced choice for organizations requiring rich document formatting, diverse output channels, and seamless multi-system integration. However, it involves additional costs and external system management.
Compare the best SAP Output Management solutions
Now, let’s dig into the concrete comparison of the top 3 SAP Output Management choices.
When comparing SAP S/4HANA Output Management solutions, it’s important to look at:
- Core functionality – what can you live with?
- Document design and formatting – what are your customer’s requirements?
- Implementation complexity – can you handle it internally or do you need an Output Management partner?
- Output channels – how does your customers need their business documents?
- Scalability and performance – how many in purchase orders, sales orders and invoices are you processing?
- Cost consideration – can you handle it internally, or do you need consulting resources?
- Use cases – do you have simple or complex needs?
1. Core functionality
NAST
- Rule Management: Rigid, table-based
- Output Formatting: Basic formats (e.g., PDF)
- Integration: Native within SAP
- Output Channels: Print, email, EDI
- User Interface: Configuration via NACE
BRF+
- Rule Management:Flexible, rule-based using BRF+
- Output Formatting: Limited customization capabilities
- Integration: Native within SAP
- Output Channels: Modern channels + enhanced XML
- User Interface: Graphical rule editor
Lasernet
- Rule Management: Advanced, template-driven logic
- Output Formatting: Rich document design and formatting
- Integration: Connects seamlessly to SAP and other systems
- Output Channels: Wide range of channels, including cloud and file-based outputs
- User Interface: Intuitive designer tool
2. Document Design and Formatting
NAST
- Minimal support for document customization
- Relise on SAPscript or Smart Forms for design.
BRF+
- Some flexibility but not primarily focused on advanced document design.
- Often requires external tools (e.g., Adobe Forms) for complex formatting.
Lasernet
- Specialized in document design and output formatting.
- Includes a drag-and-drop designer for creating professional-quality documents.
- Supports branding, dynamic layouts, and advanced formatting capabilities.
3. Implementation Complexity
NAST
- Setup:Simple for basic processes
- Configuration: Rigid, technical focus
- Customizations: ABAP-heavy
BRF+
- Setup: Moderate setup with OPD
- Configuration: User-friendly but rule-driven
- Customizations: Less ABAP, more business logic
Lasernet
- Setup: Advanced setup with external system
- Configuration: Highly user-friendly for design and distribution
- Customizations: External tool; minimal SAP coding required
4. Output Channels
NAST
- Limited to traditional channels like print, email, and EDI.
BRF+
- Expands channel support, including XML-based outputs and more modern methods.
Lasernet
- Supports diverse output formats and channels, including advanced options like cloud-based platforms, file repositories, and external APIs.
5. Scalability and Performance
NAST
- Performance: Suitable for simple needs
- Large-scale processing: Limited
BRF+
- Performance: Scalable for modern S/4HANA loads
- Large-scale processing: Advanced logic and processing
Lasernet
- Performance: Highly scalable for large environments
- Large-scale processing: Optimized for high-volume output
6. Cost considerations
NAST
- Included with SAP, but may incur costs for additional customization or maintenance.
BRF+
- No additional licensing cost; built into SAP S/4HANA.
- Complex configurations may still require consulting resources.
Lasernet
- Additional licensing and implementation costs as a third-party tool.
- Higher cost is offset by its advanced capabilities and time savings in document design and distribution.
7. Use cases
NAST
- Legacy compatibility: Ideal for ECC migrations
- Basic Output needs: Good for simple processes
- Complex formatting: Requires external tools
- Multi-system Output: Not suitable
BRF+
- Legacy compatibility: Suitable for new S/4HANA implementations
- Basic Output needs: Better than NAST but limited design
- Complex formatting: Requires Adobe Forms or similar
- Multi-system Output: Limited
Lasernet
- Legacy compatibility: Best for businesses needing advanced design and output
- Basic Output needs: Overqualified, more cost-intensive
- Complex formatting: Best choice; excels in formatting
- Multi-system Output: Designed for multi-system environments
Summary
NAST
- Legacy systems: ✔️
- Flexibility: ⚠️ Limited
- Output design: ⚠️ Minimal
- Ease of use: ⚠️ Technical
- Cost: ✔️ Included
BRF+
- Legacy systems: ⚠️ Limited
- Flexibility: ✔️
- Output design: ⚠️ Requires tools
- Ease of use: ✔️ User-friendly
- Cost: ✔️ Included
Lasernet
- Legacy systems: ⚠️ Requires integration
- Flexibility: ✔️✔️ High
- Output design: ✔️✔️ Excellent
- Ease of use: ✔️✔️ Intuitive
- Cost: ⚠️ Extra licensing
Don’t ask just anyone. Ask Tabellae.
Choosing wrong is costly. We help you make the right choice – the first time. Ask Tabellae to get the right SAP Output Management solution for the job.
